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Infant Baptism Services Baptism is a sign of being a part of God’s family. There are different baptisms in various churches with their differing beliefs. A Roman Catholic baptism usually takes place during a service of Holy Communion, but sometimes they can be private to one family or with other babies being baptised as well. Parents and godparents bring the baby into the church and are welcomed by the priest, at the entrance. The baby, once welcomed, has the sign of the cross made on its forehead, as a blessing from the parents and godparents. The priest reads a section about baptism from the bible, and then the child is anointed with oil, as a sign that the child is now dedicated to God, and his church. The godparents say that they reject Satan, and repeat the words of the Creed. The priest pours water, the symbol of new life, three times on the baby’s head, as he pronounces “ I baptise you (Anne Marie) by the sign of the cross.” The baby has the Oil of Chrism applied to its head, and is wrapped in a white baptismal robe, representing a guard against evil. A baptismal candle is lit, held by a godparent, representing the light of God, showing the way through life. The Church of England (Anglican) has a similar service for baptising babies, as a Catholic baptism. The baptism is done in a Eucharist service, a family service or more privately. The Paschal candle is lit for the whole baptism service and by either the parent or godparent.
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